Family Sponsorship

Overview:

Uniting Families Through Canadian Sponsorship Programs

Family reunification is a core pillar of Canada’s immigration system, reflecting the country’s commitment to keeping families together. The Canadian government has a long-standing tradition of supporting family connections, allowing recent immigrants and long-established Canadians to sponsor family members for permanent residency. Family sponsorship is the second-largest category of newcomers to Canada, reinforcing the nation’s emphasis on family values and the importance of maintaining close relationships.

Eligibility for Sponsoring Family Members

To sponsor a family member for Canadian permanent residency, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. As a sponsor, you must be:

• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
• At least 18 years of age or older
• Financially able to support the sponsored person for several years
• Who Can You Sponsor?

Canada’s sponsorship programs allow you to sponsor specific family members, including:

• Spouses and common-law partners
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Spousal Sponsorship

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency. This program is open to both inland and outland applications, depending on whether your partner is currently in Canada or abroad. To be eligible for spousal sponsorship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Reside in Canada or intend to live in Canada once your spouse becomes a permanent resident
• Commit to financially support your spouse for three years
• Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

Canada values the role of parents and grandparents in family life. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may sponsor your parents or grandparents. Eligibility requirements include:

• Meeting the minimum necessary income (MNI) for family sponsorship
• Signing an undertaking to financially support your sponsored family members for 20 years
• If residing in Quebec, additional agreements with the provincial government
• Dependent Child Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children to join them as permanent residents in Canada. A child is considered dependent if they meet the following criteria:

• Not married or in a common-law relationship and under 22 years of age
• If over 22 years of age, they must have a physical or mental condition preventing them from supporting themselves

Applicants must demonstrate their relationship with the child through birth or adoption certificates. Additionally, the child must be approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to receive a visa.

The Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of family sponsorship. We provide comprehensive guidance on the eligibility requirements, application processes, and other critical aspects of sponsoring family members. Contact us to learn how we can assist you in reuniting with your loved ones in Canada.

Disclaimer: Immigration requirements can change frequently. The information provided here is for general guidance. We recommend consulting a qualified immigration consultant or the relevant government authorities for the most accurate and current information.